Lake Taylorville, Illinois, USA

Completed in 1962 by the City of Taylorville, Illinois, Lake Taylorville is the city's source of water and a major recreation facility. The reservoir was created by damming the south fork of the Sangamon River. With more than 50 miles of shoreline winding around the clear water, visitors will be awed by the beautiful scenery surrounding the lake.

Lake Taylorville is proclaimed to be one of the top five fishing lakes in Illinois and hosts local fishing tournaments regularly. With a full service marina, several boat launches and miles of shoreline including multiple coves, anglers have easy access to the fish. Stocked annually with bass, crappie and sauger, fishing is available year round here.

Boating, jet skiing, water skiing, canoeing, and kayaking are all enjoyed on Lake Taylorville. A clean sandy beach and swimming area make this a great weekend destination for families wanting to enjoy some time at the lake.

Two parks around the lake offer family oriented activities with the lake as a scenic backdrop. Playground equipment, walking trails, and picnic areas provide a quiet alternative way to enjoy Lake Taylorville. Fishing docks at the water's edge of the parks provide another great spot for anglers.

A campground and cabins owned by the City of Taylorville are available for vacation rentals. With easy access to the lake, campers also have access to nature trails, hiking trails, biking trails, and quiet picturesque views of the shoreline.

At the northern half of Lake Taylorville, real estate is available for lake front living. Numerous homes are built here with their own private docks and views of the watery skyline. Lakefront property owners also have easy access to walking trails and a nearby golf course.

Just three miles from Lake Taylorville is the small city of Taylorville which calls itself "The Last Stop" in reference to Abraham Lincoln's days as a lawyer on the old judicial circuit. It was here in Taylorville that Abraham Lincoln practiced law and is the site of his famous request for a "writ of quietus." This writ was in response to noisy pigs that had gathered under the courthouse disrupting the trial process and Lincoln's questioning of witnesses. Today visitors can walk where Lincoln walked, visit the courthouse, and view statues and murals that commemorate his ties to this community.

Taylorville's entire downtown square is on the National Registry of Historic Places. Restored historic buildings dated back to 1839 are now popular tourist attractions. These refurbished sites are now home to restaurants that offer a quick bite to fine dining experience. Quaint shopping venues also boast of historic locations.

Whether you enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, or history, you can find it at Lake Taylorville or the city of Taylorville, Illinois. This delightful location will soon become one of your favorite destinations.